Sport

Swindon Town boss slams performance at Gillingham

MARK Cooper thought his Swindon Town side only played “for 20 minutes out of 90” during their limp 2-0 defeat to Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.

Goals from Leon Legge and Michael Harriman handed the Gills victory and ensured Town’s winless run in Kent was extended to 26 years, while the Robins are also without a victory on the road in two months this season.

After the game Cooper suggested Swindon were below-par for the vast majority of the match, saying in the post-match press conference: “I thought we had a spell for 20 minutes in the second half where we played well and we needed to score.

“We had them on the rack and we had two or three really good chances and we need to score one of them.

“When you’re on top you need to score and if we score I think we’ve got a chance of going on to win the game.

“We only played for 20 minutes out of 90 and that’s not good enough. We were aware of (Adebayo) Akinfenwa’s threat.

“They get a lot of free-kicks off him, we gave a silly free-kick away and nobody picked up their man for the first goal.

“It’s a free header. It’s a soft goal.

“In the first half we huffed and puffed without really having too much up front and in the second half we came out and I thought we played really well for 20 minutes.

“We’re not getting enough from the front of the pitch at the minute.

“We were gambling and we put four up front to try to get back into the game.

“You’re conceding a bit of ground and you’re hoping that you defend and get a bit of a break and get the ball to our four strikers.

“It never happened.”

It was a familiar story for the 372 Town fans who braved the trek to Gillingham. Swindon have struggled to find any sort of fluency away from home for some time and Cooper again gave his team’s youthfulness as a possible reason for avoidable errors.

“I think we controlled the second half but if you don’t defend the ball when it comes in your box and you don’t score when it goes in their box you’re not going to win many football matches,” he said.

“We’re conceding too many and not scoring enough at the moment.

“They’re young, they’re learning and they’re only going to keep learning by playing and making mistakes.

“I think they’re just individual errors.

“It’s simple – you’ve got your man and you’re told that before the game, you don’t pick him up and he scores, it’s your fault.”

Cooper is loathed to change the way he sets his team up away from home, suggesting that the more direct route is not a feasible option.

“We went three at the back to try to make sure we could get the ball out from the back,” he said.

“We had a spare man with them having one up and one in behind.

“We tried to get the ball out from the back, which is what we’re all about, and we’ve got a group of players that have to play.

“It’s no good for the goalkeeper to keep whacking it down the middle because when he did whack it down the middle their centre-half dominated Nile Ranger today and we have to try to play out.

“We played three centre-halves to try to outnumber them and at the start of the second half we passed the ball really well without scoring.

“I thought (Raphael) Branco was very good again, I thought (Alex) Pritchard was lively again, Jay (McEveley) did fine but it’s not enough when we need to be getting points away from home.”

Of course it is frustrating, but the Club doesn't have any money so is doing things on a shoe string budget. If we start "buying now" & try to pay later we probably won't have a club. I don't think many people predicted the team would be doing as well as it is this time last year. Everyone thought we were relegation material. Get behind the team, hope that financially the model is sustainable & hope too that one day a big local financial backer comes along.

Of course it is frustrating, but the Club doesn't have any money so is doing things on a shoe string budget. If we start "buying now" & try to pay later we probably won't have a club. I don't think many people predicted the team would be doing as well as it is this time last year. Everyone thought we were relegation material. Get behind the team, hope that financially the model is sustainable & hope too that one day a big local financial backer comes along.Jets there'd

Good job most fans don't walk away after a couple of away defeats.........

Agreed -flat away from home and they need to work on it.
Some great stuff at home.

Either way, support the team!

[quote][p][bold]Old Town[/bold] wrote:
Bye then Billy - your user name is about right !
Good job most fans don't walk away after a couple of away defeats.........[/p][/quote]Agreed -flat away from home and they need to work on it.
Some great stuff at home.
Either way, support the team!Scouse Red

Another poor away performance by all accounts. We will get beat. We can accept getting beat. But when you get beat without putting in any effort that's a different thing and the fans won't put up with that for much longer. It happens too often now. Sure most are learning still but they should already know how to put the effort in.

Another poor away performance by all accounts. We will get beat. We can accept getting beat. But when you get beat without putting in any effort that's a different thing and the fans won't put up with that for much longer. It happens too often now. Sure most are learning still but they should already know how to put the effort in.Since 1950

I'm totally behind the tight spending as hopefully it'll mean I have a club to continue to SUPPORT for another 38 years (if I live that long)..... But please Mr Cooper will you at least play Louis T in midfield and generate some urgency from the Spurs players present and past (Nathan Byrne excepted). It's one thing being lightweight in the tackle or on the ball but effort grit and determination in closing down need to be a starter for one. We don't do enough of it, whatever formation we play.

As someone said yesterday (apologies I forget who) can we play the same team and formation away from home as we play at home. Footballers never the brightest and the constant changing isn't working. Definition of madness is doing the same thing time and again and getting the same result. Perhaps try the same team home and away may get a different result away. We can't be any worse can we?

Ps Troy hurry back please as well.

PPS Whilst our away form is incredibly frustrating, made more so by the dangerous glimmer of hope of our home form I have to confess after watching us at Cirencester pre season I thought we were doomed. 9th is a whole lot better than relegation. Keep at it and due to commitments I've had no value out of my season ticket this year - missed too many games - but I WILL be renewing next year whatever.

COYR

I'm totally behind the tight spending as hopefully it'll mean I have a club to continue to SUPPORT for another 38 years (if I live that long)..... But please Mr Cooper will you at least play Louis T in midfield and generate some urgency from the Spurs players present and past (Nathan Byrne excepted). It's one thing being lightweight in the tackle or on the ball but effort grit and determination in closing down need to be a starter for one. We don't do enough of it, whatever formation we play.
As someone said yesterday (apologies I forget who) can we play the same team and formation away from home as we play at home. Footballers never the brightest and the constant changing isn't working. Definition of madness is doing the same thing time and again and getting the same result. Perhaps try the same team home and away may get a different result away. We can't be any worse can we?
Ps Troy hurry back please as well.
PPS Whilst our away form is incredibly frustrating, made more so by the dangerous glimmer of hope of our home form I have to confess after watching us at Cirencester pre season I thought we were doomed. 9th is a whole lot better than relegation. Keep at it and due to commitments I've had no value out of my season ticket this year - missed too many games - but I WILL be renewing next year whatever.
COYRdreamofacleansheet2

Seems every time we get beat away from home MC keeps saying "they are still learning the game", its getting boring to keep reading that! They are all in their 20s and seem to know how to win at home so change the record please. If we had a half decent away record we would be right up there, maybe they need to play ugly away from home or maybe its the managers fault? Or maybe they just good enough?

Seems every time we get beat away from home MC keeps saying "they are still learning the game", its getting boring to keep reading that! They are all in their 20s and seem to know how to win at home so change the record please. If we had a half decent away record we would be right up there, maybe they need to play ugly away from home or maybe its the managers fault? Or maybe they just good enough?Lazaat

Every away game the team we are playing looking at the fixtures will see they have a guaranteed three points playing us. I dont mind losing if the effort is put in by the players but there is no commitment whatsoever on the pitch. We sit back inviting the team to attack us then when they score we come out of shell to try and get back in the game, What i dont understand is why dont we play as we do at home attack from the start if we go a goal up they have to attack us and it leaves them vunerable to the counter attack. Certain players pull out of tackles as well frequently they know who they are and teams we play know we are lightweight. All this rubbish our players are still learning these players have come from a premier league side and should be a cut above some of the players they are playing against and seem scared of a bit of a strong challenge from an opponent and all the teams now know that.
Well next away game is Walsall and if we dont sort it out that could be a landslide as they ripped us apart at the CG and with our away form as bad as it is then there is only going top be one result. Just goes to show was Rotherham a freak result because looking at the really poor sides we have lost to away from home it must have been.
Foregt play offs were no where near good enough and concentrate on staying in the league. We have soem tough games coming up at home ie Preston,Wlolves,Bren
tford and if our home form slips we are in serious trouble.
Fed up of the same old excuses from MC yes i appreciate he has his hands tied but even so with no effort from the players its a massive wind up for us fans to sit and watch the lack lustre performances and dont give a toss attitude.
Ive been saying for ages you need expereince in the side which we havent got and a strong spine which we havent got.

Every away game the team we are playing looking at the fixtures will see they have a guaranteed three points playing us. I dont mind losing if the effort is put in by the players but there is no commitment whatsoever on the pitch. We sit back inviting the team to attack us then when they score we come out of shell to try and get back in the game, What i dont understand is why dont we play as we do at home attack from the start if we go a goal up they have to attack us and it leaves them vunerable to the counter attack. Certain players pull out of tackles as well frequently they know who they are and teams we play know we are lightweight. All this rubbish our players are still learning these players have come from a premier league side and should be a cut above some of the players they are playing against and seem scared of a bit of a strong challenge from an opponent and all the teams now know that.
Well next away game is Walsall and if we dont sort it out that could be a landslide as they ripped us apart at the CG and with our away form as bad as it is then there is only going top be one result. Just goes to show was Rotherham a freak result because looking at the really poor sides we have lost to away from home it must have been.
Foregt play offs were no where near good enough and concentrate on staying in the league. We have soem tough games coming up at home ie Preston,Wlolves,Bren
tford and if our home form slips we are in serious trouble.
Fed up of the same old excuses from MC yes i appreciate he has his hands tied but even so with no effort from the players its a massive wind up for us fans to sit and watch the lack lustre performances and dont give a toss attitude.
Ive been saying for ages you need expereince in the side which we havent got and a strong spine which we havent got.LeGod

I would love to see us going for games away from home like we did at the beginning of the season. I'd much rather see us lose like we did against Wolves than like we did against Stevenage or Gillingham.

It seems like we play for a point in most away games which is a dangerous tactic esp when our defence is the way it is.

I would love to see us going for games away from home like we did at the beginning of the season. I'd much rather see us lose like we did against Wolves than like we did against Stevenage or Gillingham.
It seems like we play for a point in most away games which is a dangerous tactic esp when our defence is the way it is.chrystovski

Old Town wrote:
Bye then Billy - your user name is about right ! Good job most fans don't walk away after a couple of away defeats.........

A couple? You're 'avin a giraffe! We only list two then?

[quote][p][bold]Old Town[/bold] wrote:
Bye then Billy - your user name is about right ! Good job most fans don't walk away after a couple of away defeats.........[/p][/quote]A couple? You're 'avin a giraffe! We only list two then?The Jockster

Old Town wrote: Bye then Billy - your user name is about right ! Good job most fans don't walk away after a couple of away defeats.........

A couple? You're 'avin a giraffe! We only list two then?

Lost two

[quote][p][bold]The Jockster[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Old Town[/bold] wrote: Bye then Billy - your user name is about right ! Good job most fans don't walk away after a couple of away defeats.........[/p][/quote]A couple? You're 'avin a giraffe! We only list two then?[/p][/quote]Lost twoThe Jockster

Yes, Saturday was bad, as have too many away performances this season and I've seen a lot of them.
Football fans expectations are always high, as they should be but just think for a moment where we were just a few months ago. Almost no club, or a conference side.
My expectations are high but we have to be realistic as well. Mid table is a whole lot better than many were predicting and this season is very much one of change and transition.
Personally I think next season may be the one to look forward to. We have many 'stars', that can be offloaded in the summer, which gives us far more scope to sign new/better players.
Frustrating yes but the way we're going it looks like we'll have a club to support next season and hopefully a successful one.
No renewal of season ticket next year. No chance. I'll be there.

Yes, Saturday was bad, as have too many away performances this season and I've seen a lot of them.
Football fans expectations are always high, as they should be but just think for a moment where we were just a few months ago. Almost no club, or a conference side.
My expectations are high but we have to be realistic as well. Mid table is a whole lot better than many were predicting and this season is very much one of change and transition.
Personally I think next season may be the one to look forward to. We have many 'stars', that can be offloaded in the summer, which gives us far more scope to sign new/better players.
Frustrating yes but the way we're going it looks like we'll have a club to support next season and hopefully a successful one.
No renewal of season ticket next year. No chance. I'll be there.stfcdod

Before the kick off one f the chaps wanted to put a bet on and for the first time I found myself saying put your money on the Gills then , if we all know our failings I am sure Cooper does but still dos nothing to rectify it , someone above commented on the lame excuse they are still learning , I a sorry but this far in the season thats just a poor get out in my book , even so learning is one thing having no heart for the fight is something completely different , If Mr Cooper is the Mr Nice guy we all think he is I am not surprsed they have no go in them . IMHO they also still think they are a lot better than they actually are , what was Luongo thinking ? . On a positive Hall may have to be rested and we might have Jay back at least he gets stuck in . COYR before its too late

Before the kick off one f the chaps wanted to put a bet on and for the first time I found myself saying put your money on the Gills then , if we all know our failings I am sure Cooper does but still dos nothing to rectify it , someone above commented on the lame excuse they are still learning , I a sorry but this far in the season thats just a poor get out in my book , even so learning is one thing having no heart for the fight is something completely different , If Mr Cooper is the Mr Nice guy we all think he is I am not surprsed they have no go in them . IMHO they also still think they are a lot better than they actually are , what was Luongo thinking ? . On a positive Hall may have to be rested and we might have Jay back at least he gets stuck in . COYR before its too latehertz

Billy C*** - were all frustrated several times and in particular this week we had a chance to keep pace with the top 6 but blew it big time by two lacklustre performances that quite fankly we deserved nothing from anyway. In all walks of life if you put the effort and desire in you reap the rewards if you cant be bothered as our lot couldnt be Tuesday and saturday then you get absolutely diddly squit.
If they seriously think they can just turn on and turn off when they want to, to win a game of football then they are very wrong.
Lets face it if we did get promoted we would be like Yeovil batting above our weight and relegated almost certainly anyway. Until this club gets the funds it needs then L1 is where we will be which is where we have been for most of our history.
This is a poor L1 compared to previous seasons and if some of the so called stars from Spurs cant do it in the league theyve got no chance in the championship performing.
It is really frustrating as fans to watch our lot so lact lustre and uninterested and new blood is needed to fire them up and Power needs to get a couple of experienced players one in Midfield and upfront to move us forward otherwise im telling you now we will be looking over our shoulder come may as i feel some of these players have run out of steam. Some of us said the winter months and the away games will be our undoing and its proving to be.
I hope MC and the players prove us wrong they havent done so far away from home and the only way i can see it happenning is by adding some steel and experience into the side.

Billy C*** - were all frustrated several times and in particular this week we had a chance to keep pace with the top 6 but blew it big time by two lacklustre performances that quite fankly we deserved nothing from anyway. In all walks of life if you put the effort and desire in you reap the rewards if you cant be bothered as our lot couldnt be Tuesday and saturday then you get absolutely diddly squit.
If they seriously think they can just turn on and turn off when they want to, to win a game of football then they are very wrong.
Lets face it if we did get promoted we would be like Yeovil batting above our weight and relegated almost certainly anyway. Until this club gets the funds it needs then L1 is where we will be which is where we have been for most of our history.
This is a poor L1 compared to previous seasons and if some of the so called stars from Spurs cant do it in the league theyve got no chance in the championship performing.
It is really frustrating as fans to watch our lot so lact lustre and uninterested and new blood is needed to fire them up and Power needs to get a couple of experienced players one in Midfield and upfront to move us forward otherwise im telling you now we will be looking over our shoulder come may as i feel some of these players have run out of steam. Some of us said the winter months and the away games will be our undoing and its proving to be.
I hope MC and the players prove us wrong they havent done so far away from home and the only way i can see it happenning is by adding some steel and experience into the side.LeGod

Quote LeGod, "We sit back inviting the team to attack us" You've got it in one. It should be obvious to Cooper that when we go visiting the home team is going to press us as we do them when they come to the CG. Unfortunately we don't seem to have the DNA away from home to counter any pressure, 14 goals from 14 games, says it all really. Rotherham WAS a freak result as according to reports, we could have easily been 0-3 down before we got into gear and actually did the business.

As with others I'm sick of hearing the same old excuses from the manager that they are still learning, if anyone needs to learn from mistakes it's him. Is there one game this season when we have actually played consistently for 90 minutes. Even at home where we have had some deserved wins, there have been times we only turned it on for one half.

The philosophy of winning games is quite simple really when you've got the ball you keep it by passing to your own players and when you don't have it you fight until you get it.back Of course that's easier said than done, but I find it unbelievable that Cooper hasn't seen where the problem is. The defence has come in for some fierce criticism and admittedly we have given away some sloppy goals, but our defence is not the worst in this division. Up front the lack of goals scored is one of the worst records, but that can be attributed to lack of chances created due to poor service. So that leaves the midfield which IMO is where the biggest problem in the team is and Cooper has never properly addressed it.

We have 4 players, Luango, Kasim, Harley and Mason that are all similar in style, they have all shown moments of brilliance going forward, but which ones of them have shown they can defend. If Cooper knows that none of them can put in a shift when the going gets tough, then why has he continued to pick any 3 from 4 and not rested players when they have played poorly. Admittedly Harley and Mason have been unlucky with injuries, but when fit I would play one of them and the other on the bench as a ready made replacement as I believe they are the most creative of the 4, credit to Cooper he has tried to use them in this way when they have both been fit, so no problem there.

It's the other two that are the concern, too many back or side passes slowing the game up, silly fouls given away, too many yellow cards. Luango is a luxury player that can change games, he has amazingly played almost every game. IMO at times going forward he lacks vision and doesn't seem to see players in better positions, in defence he doesn't get back fast enough and pick up opposing mid fielders, I can't comment on the away games, but the Posh player Tomlin had the freedom of the park last week and it wasn't until Louis Thompson was told to got close to him, we eliminated his threat. So why did Lou not start this week when he has it him to break up play.

Kasim is a strange one, he has shown to be very effective as the defence midfielder, but for some reason or other Cooper has decided to play him as an attacking midfield, his distribution can be good at other times wayward.

I don't have a problem with all the mid fielders I have mentioned being involve for the home game against the Shrews as we will be taking the game to them, but for the next away game against Walsall, who tore us apart at our place, he is going to have to come up with something different and should look at his best options in the middle of the park, because with 9 away defeats from 14, he hasn't got it right too many times so far this season.

Quote LeGod, "We sit back inviting the team to attack us" You've got it in one. It should be obvious to Cooper that when we go visiting the home team is going to press us as we do them when they come to the CG. Unfortunately we don't seem to have the DNA away from home to counter any pressure, 14 goals from 14 games, says it all really. Rotherham WAS a freak result as according to reports, we could have easily been 0-3 down before we got into gear and actually did the business.
As with others I'm sick of hearing the same old excuses from the manager that they are still learning, if anyone needs to learn from mistakes it's him. Is there one game this season when we have actually played consistently for 90 minutes. Even at home where we have had some deserved wins, there have been times we only turned it on for one half.
The philosophy of winning games is quite simple really when you've got the ball you keep it by passing to your own players and when you don't have it you fight until you get it.back Of course that's easier said than done, but I find it unbelievable that Cooper hasn't seen where the problem is. The defence has come in for some fierce criticism and admittedly we have given away some sloppy goals, but our defence is not the worst in this division. Up front the lack of goals scored is one of the worst records, but that can be attributed to lack of chances created due to poor service. So that leaves the midfield which IMO is where the biggest problem in the team is and Cooper has never properly addressed it.
We have 4 players, Luango, Kasim, Harley and Mason that are all similar in style, they have all shown moments of brilliance going forward, but which ones of them have shown they can defend. If Cooper knows that none of them can put in a shift when the going gets tough, then why has he continued to pick any 3 from 4 and not rested players when they have played poorly. Admittedly Harley and Mason have been unlucky with injuries, but when fit I would play one of them and the other on the bench as a ready made replacement as I believe they are the most creative of the 4, credit to Cooper he has tried to use them in this way when they have both been fit, so no problem there.
It's the other two that are the concern, too many back or side passes slowing the game up, silly fouls given away, too many yellow cards. Luango is a luxury player that can change games, he has amazingly played almost every game. IMO at times going forward he lacks vision and doesn't seem to see players in better positions, in defence he doesn't get back fast enough and pick up opposing mid fielders, I can't comment on the away games, but the Posh player Tomlin had the freedom of the park last week and it wasn't until Louis Thompson was told to got close to him, we eliminated his threat. So why did Lou not start this week when he has it him to break up play.
Kasim is a strange one, he has shown to be very effective as the defence midfielder, but for some reason or other Cooper has decided to play him as an attacking midfield, his distribution can be good at other times wayward.
I don't have a problem with all the mid fielders I have mentioned being involve for the home game against the Shrews as we will be taking the game to them, but for the next away game against Walsall, who tore us apart at our place, he is going to have to come up with something different and should look at his best options in the middle of the park, because with 9 away defeats from 14, he hasn't got it right too many times so far this season.old town robin

Yes we have hit a bad patch and our away form for most of the season has been poor - I couldn't go on Saturday but have seen many of our (usually dismal!) efforts away from home and will continue to go to as many matches as I can because the worse they are doing, the more they need our support. Of course I'm bitterly disappointed when they lose because I always want Town to win and do well but after 50 years following the club I can't get into the "sack the manager, Power is useless, not going to renew my season ticket" mentality.

We've always had more lows than highs - maybe that makes the highs all the sweeter. Our side isn't far short of being pretty good which considering our financial circumstances is remarkable. At times this season they have played some great football and shown much promise. We do have a problem with defence and leadership on the field, lack a dominant combative midfielder and in common with about 75% of all other clubs, don't have a consistent goal scorer. However over the years I have seen much, much weaker Swindon teams that have given you no cause for any optimism at all. At least now, despite our problems and disregarding the loan players, we have a strong core group of young players that could form the basis of a side capable of challenging for a promotion spot next season.

Cooper is relatively inexperienced but appears to me to be doing a good job in very difficult circumstances. I don't understand people calling for his head just because we lose a few. Many people this season have recalled with affection Bert Head's young team from the early 60's, Summerbee, Hunt, Woodruffe, Rogers, Trollope et al, but it shouldn't be forgotten that his star studded team of youngsters also got relegated for all their ability. I think we have a strong enough group of players to avoid that fate this season. Just because we are not setting the league alight and winning every match, it is no time to be pressing the panic button or start saying you're going to jump ship. Being a true supporter means through thick and thin, good times and bad - bit like being married! So far this season I would say it is a middling one, neither horrendously dreadful or exhilaratingly uplifting although there have been elements of both at times. People need to keep a sense of perspective however depressed they feel after a losing run. COYMR

Yes we have hit a bad patch and our away form for most of the season has been poor - I couldn't go on Saturday but have seen many of our (usually dismal!) efforts away from home and will continue to go to as many matches as I can because the worse they are doing, the more they need our support. Of course I'm bitterly disappointed when they lose because I always want Town to win and do well but after 50 years following the club I can't get into the "sack the manager, Power is useless, not going to renew my season ticket" mentality.
We've always had more lows than highs - maybe that makes the highs all the sweeter. Our side isn't far short of being pretty good which considering our financial circumstances is remarkable. At times this season they have played some great football and shown much promise. We do have a problem with defence and leadership on the field, lack a dominant combative midfielder and in common with about 75% of all other clubs, don't have a consistent goal scorer. However over the years I have seen much, much weaker Swindon teams that have given you no cause for any optimism at all. At least now, despite our problems and disregarding the loan players, we have a strong core group of young players that could form the basis of a side capable of challenging for a promotion spot next season.
Cooper is relatively inexperienced but appears to me to be doing a good job in very difficult circumstances. I don't understand people calling for his head just because we lose a few. Many people this season have recalled with affection Bert Head's young team from the early 60's, Summerbee, Hunt, Woodruffe, Rogers, Trollope et al, but it shouldn't be forgotten that his star studded team of youngsters also got relegated for all their ability. I think we have a strong enough group of players to avoid that fate this season. Just because we are not setting the league alight and winning every match, it is no time to be pressing the panic button or start saying you're going to jump ship. Being a true supporter means through thick and thin, good times and bad - bit like being married! So far this season I would say it is a middling one, neither horrendously dreadful or exhilaratingly uplifting although there have been elements of both at times. People need to keep a sense of perspective however depressed they feel after a losing run. COYMRPsychedelic Syd

Psychedelic Syd wrote:
Yes we have hit a bad patch and our away form for most of the season has been poor - I couldn't go on Saturday but have seen many of our (usually dismal!) efforts away from home and will continue to go to as many matches as I can because the worse they are doing, the more they need our support. Of course I'm bitterly disappointed when they lose because I always want Town to win and do well but after 50 years following the club I can't get into the &quot;sack the manager, Power is useless, not going to renew my season ticket" mentality.

We've always had more lows than highs - maybe that makes the highs all the sweeter. Our side isn't far short of being pretty good which considering our financial circumstances is remarkable. At times this season they have played some great football and shown much promise. We do have a problem with defence and leadership on the field, lack a dominant combative midfielder and in common with about 75% of all other clubs, don't have a consistent goal scorer. However over the years I have seen much, much weaker Swindon teams that have given you no cause for any optimism at all. At least now, despite our problems and disregarding the loan players, we have a strong core group of young players that could form the basis of a side capable of challenging for a promotion spot next season.

Cooper is relatively inexperienced but appears to me to be doing a good job in very difficult circumstances. I don't understand people calling for his head just because we lose a few. Many people this season have recalled with affection Bert Head's young team from the early 60's, Summerbee, Hunt, Woodruffe, Rogers, Trollope et al, but it shouldn't be forgotten that his star studded team of youngsters also got relegated for all their ability. I think we have a strong enough group of players to avoid that fate this season. Just because we are not setting the league alight and winning every match, it is no time to be pressing the panic button or start saying you're going to jump ship. Being a true supporter means through thick and thin, good times and bad - bit like being married! So far this season I would say it is a middling one, neither horrendously dreadful or exhilaratingly uplifting although there have been elements of both at times. People need to keep a sense of perspective however depressed they feel after a losing run. COYMR

Excellent post...balanced, sensible, realistic and, above all, loyal.

Bravo.

[quote][p][bold]Psychedelic Syd[/bold] wrote:
Yes we have hit a bad patch and our away form for most of the season has been poor - I couldn't go on Saturday but have seen many of our (usually dismal!) efforts away from home and will continue to go to as many matches as I can because the worse they are doing, the more they need our support. Of course I'm bitterly disappointed when they lose because I always want Town to win and do well but after 50 years following the club I can't get into the "sack the manager, Power is useless, not going to renew my season ticket" mentality.
We've always had more lows than highs - maybe that makes the highs all the sweeter. Our side isn't far short of being pretty good which considering our financial circumstances is remarkable. At times this season they have played some great football and shown much promise. We do have a problem with defence and leadership on the field, lack a dominant combative midfielder and in common with about 75% of all other clubs, don't have a consistent goal scorer. However over the years I have seen much, much weaker Swindon teams that have given you no cause for any optimism at all. At least now, despite our problems and disregarding the loan players, we have a strong core group of young players that could form the basis of a side capable of challenging for a promotion spot next season.
Cooper is relatively inexperienced but appears to me to be doing a good job in very difficult circumstances. I don't understand people calling for his head just because we lose a few. Many people this season have recalled with affection Bert Head's young team from the early 60's, Summerbee, Hunt, Woodruffe, Rogers, Trollope et al, but it shouldn't be forgotten that his star studded team of youngsters also got relegated for all their ability. I think we have a strong enough group of players to avoid that fate this season. Just because we are not setting the league alight and winning every match, it is no time to be pressing the panic button or start saying you're going to jump ship. Being a true supporter means through thick and thin, good times and bad - bit like being married! So far this season I would say it is a middling one, neither horrendously dreadful or exhilaratingly uplifting although there have been elements of both at times. People need to keep a sense of perspective however depressed they feel after a losing run. COYMR[/p][/quote]Excellent post...balanced, sensible, realistic and, above all, loyal.
Bravo.Swindonian63

Young and still learning is the oldest cliche going and its irrelevant, away from home they simply are not up for the battle and the tactics are flawed.

The fact they are young doesn't seem to be an issue when we are winning lots of games at home and in general look well up for it.

So something different is happening on away days.

Could it be travelling on the day?

I can't see them being intimidated by large stadiums and hostile fans - If anything playing away at Wolves, Bradford, QPR, etc (ie big crowds)
brought the best out of them..

The problem is more the small games with little atmosphere. Perhaps there's an element of big-time going on and certain players think it beneath them to play at Stevenage on a cold Tuesday in front of 2,000.

Disappointing if so but they need to accept that's life and if they won't I'm sure some of the youngsters will be delighted to try their best.

Now if the Spurs lads 'have to play' then it's time for Power to put the Adver to one side and get onto Sherwood, perhaps its time for a brief pep talk from someone at Spurs...

Said before I don't have a problem with the Spurs lads 'having to play' as we wouldn't have them otherwise but if not putting in a shift then that view changes.

The other aspect is has Cooper lost the changing room over the Ranger situation? He's now constantly criticising him after games, even Posh when he ran the show, and clearly he wants a new number 9, yet the players apparently want him and mobbed him when he scored. Not being unkind to Cooper but he's not the biggest managerial name ever plus Power's calling the shots on signings. Perhaps when he does his rousing team talks it's not having much effect. I don't know, just speculating. Hopefully that's not the case as he's done better than I expected but somethings not right.

4-4-2 percentage game with Storey and Ranger up front and Pritchard and Byrne as wingers please. Back to basics for a bit.

Young and still learning is the oldest cliche going and its irrelevant, away from home they simply are not up for the battle and the tactics are flawed.
The fact they are young doesn't seem to be an issue when we are winning lots of games at home and in general look well up for it.
So something different is happening on away days.
Could it be travelling on the day?
I can't see them being intimidated by large stadiums and hostile fans - If anything playing away at Wolves, Bradford, QPR, etc (ie big crowds)
brought the best out of them..
The problem is more the small games with little atmosphere. Perhaps there's an element of big-time going on and certain players think it beneath them to play at Stevenage on a cold Tuesday in front of 2,000.
Disappointing if so but they need to accept that's life and if they won't I'm sure some of the youngsters will be delighted to try their best.
Now if the Spurs lads 'have to play' then it's time for Power to put the Adver to one side and get onto Sherwood, perhaps its time for a brief pep talk from someone at Spurs...
Said before I don't have a problem with the Spurs lads 'having to play' as we wouldn't have them otherwise but if not putting in a shift then that view changes.
The other aspect is has Cooper lost the changing room over the Ranger situation? He's now constantly criticising him after games, even Posh when he ran the show, and clearly he wants a new number 9, yet the players apparently want him and mobbed him when he scored. Not being unkind to Cooper but he's not the biggest managerial name ever plus Power's calling the shots on signings. Perhaps when he does his rousing team talks it's not having much effect. I don't know, just speculating. Hopefully that's not the case as he's done better than I expected but somethings not right.
4-4-2 percentage game with Storey and Ranger up front and Pritchard and Byrne as wingers please. Back to basics for a bit.Wilesy

As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them!
.
OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in?
.
Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player
.
N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about!
.
Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4!
.
Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role
.
At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up
.
Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game!
.
Fodders
N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley
L.Thompson Kasim
Harley
N'Gussan Ranger
.
Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey
.
Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for it

As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them!
.
OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in?
.
Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player
.
N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about!
.
Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4!
.
Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role
.
At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up
.
Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game!
.
Fodders
N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley
L.Thompson Kasim
Harley
N'Gussan Ranger
.
Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey
.
Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for itLondon Red

COOPER OUT !!!! you're the manager that has to motivate the players before the game to play. how the hell can you have a go at them for only playing 20 minutes, you obviously are not motivating them. our old manager didn't fail in motivating his players for 90 minutes. its the difference between a good manager and an old one. its about time you took some responsibility cooper and not blame the young players. you have made so many on-going mistakes this season.

COOPER OUT !!!! you're the manager that has to motivate the players before the game to play. how the hell can you have a go at them for only playing 20 minutes, you obviously are not motivating them. our old manager didn't fail in motivating his players for 90 minutes. its the difference between a good manager and an old one. its about time you took some responsibility cooper and not blame the young players. you have made so many on-going mistakes this season.Graham8181

Graham8181 wrote:
COOPER OUT !!!! you're the manager that has to motivate the players before the game to play. how the hell can you have a go at them for only playing 20 minutes, you obviously are not motivating them. our old manager didn't fail in motivating his players for 90 minutes. its the difference between a good manager and an old one. its about time you took some responsibility cooper and not blame the young players. you have made so many on-going mistakes this season.

old = bad

[quote][p][bold]Graham8181[/bold] wrote:
COOPER OUT !!!! you're the manager that has to motivate the players before the game to play. how the hell can you have a go at them for only playing 20 minutes, you obviously are not motivating them. our old manager didn't fail in motivating his players for 90 minutes. its the difference between a good manager and an old one. its about time you took some responsibility cooper and not blame the young players. you have made so many on-going mistakes this season.[/p][/quote]old = badGraham8181

Wilesy wrote:
Young and still learning is the oldest cliche going and its irrelevant, away from home they simply are not up for the battle and the tactics are flawed.

The fact they are young doesn't seem to be an issue when we are winning lots of games at home and in general look well up for it.

So something different is happening on away days.

Could it be travelling on the day?

I can't see them being intimidated by large stadiums and hostile fans - If anything playing away at Wolves, Bradford, QPR, etc (ie big crowds)
brought the best out of them..

The problem is more the small games with little atmosphere. Perhaps there's an element of big-time going on and certain players think it beneath them to play at Stevenage on a cold Tuesday in front of 2,000.

Disappointing if so but they need to accept that's life and if they won't I'm sure some of the youngsters will be delighted to try their best.

Now if the Spurs lads 'have to play' then it's time for Power to put the Adver to one side and get onto Sherwood, perhaps its time for a brief pep talk from someone at Spurs...

Said before I don't have a problem with the Spurs lads 'having to play' as we wouldn't have them otherwise but if not putting in a shift then that view changes.

The other aspect is has Cooper lost the changing room over the Ranger situation? He's now constantly criticising him after games, even Posh when he ran the show, and clearly he wants a new number 9, yet the players apparently want him and mobbed him when he scored. Not being unkind to Cooper but he's not the biggest managerial name ever plus Power's calling the shots on signings. Perhaps when he does his rousing team talks it's not having much effect. I don't know, just speculating. Hopefully that's not the case as he's done better than I expected but somethings not right.

4-4-2 percentage game with Storey and Ranger up front and Pritchard and Byrne as wingers please. Back to basics for a bit.

"Said before I don't have a problem with the Spurs lads 'having to play' as we wouldn't have them otherwise but if not putting in a shift then that view changes."

Definitely seems to be the case, no other explanation for Ward playing left back when there were better options available, or for keeping him in as part of a three man central defence when McEveley was back from injury and we could have played 4-4-2.

"4-4-2 percentage game with Storey and Ranger up front and Pritchard and Byrne as wingers please. Back to basics for a bit."

Bingo - even at home Ranger seems to be playing up front on his own, against Peterborough N'Guessan was on the wing in front of Hall and that whole left side looked static. Even when Pritchard was in acres of space on the far side they didn't have the wherewithal to switch the play.

We've got a big man up front (for now at least) who's great in the air and can hold the ball up - play proper wide men i.e. Pritchard and Byrne for example, get some balls in the box and see what happens. There are many sides in this league who don't have a defence any better than ours, and they will make mistakes too if put under pressure, but playing a passing game through the middle plays into their hands - we're not getting in behind, and against a lot of teams will just hit a brick wall. Keep replaying the Coventry winner in my mind - big ball from Wes, flick on from Ranger, Storey the only man up front with sufficient pace to beat the offside and get in behind steps up with a lovely finish. I don't expect that to happen every time we lump a ball forward of course but surely getting the ball to Ranger so he can feed a player with pace is the way?

[quote][p][bold]Wilesy[/bold] wrote:
Young and still learning is the oldest cliche going and its irrelevant, away from home they simply are not up for the battle and the tactics are flawed.
The fact they are young doesn't seem to be an issue when we are winning lots of games at home and in general look well up for it.
So something different is happening on away days.
Could it be travelling on the day?
I can't see them being intimidated by large stadiums and hostile fans - If anything playing away at Wolves, Bradford, QPR, etc (ie big crowds)
brought the best out of them..
The problem is more the small games with little atmosphere. Perhaps there's an element of big-time going on and certain players think it beneath them to play at Stevenage on a cold Tuesday in front of 2,000.
Disappointing if so but they need to accept that's life and if they won't I'm sure some of the youngsters will be delighted to try their best.
Now if the Spurs lads 'have to play' then it's time for Power to put the Adver to one side and get onto Sherwood, perhaps its time for a brief pep talk from someone at Spurs...
Said before I don't have a problem with the Spurs lads 'having to play' as we wouldn't have them otherwise but if not putting in a shift then that view changes.
The other aspect is has Cooper lost the changing room over the Ranger situation? He's now constantly criticising him after games, even Posh when he ran the show, and clearly he wants a new number 9, yet the players apparently want him and mobbed him when he scored. Not being unkind to Cooper but he's not the biggest managerial name ever plus Power's calling the shots on signings. Perhaps when he does his rousing team talks it's not having much effect. I don't know, just speculating. Hopefully that's not the case as he's done better than I expected but somethings not right.
4-4-2 percentage game with Storey and Ranger up front and Pritchard and Byrne as wingers please. Back to basics for a bit.[/p][/quote]"Said before I don't have a problem with the Spurs lads 'having to play' as we wouldn't have them otherwise but if not putting in a shift then that view changes."
Definitely seems to be the case, no other explanation for Ward playing left back when there were better options available, or for keeping him in as part of a three man central defence when McEveley was back from injury and we could have played 4-4-2.
"4-4-2 percentage game with Storey and Ranger up front and Pritchard and Byrne as wingers please. Back to basics for a bit."
Bingo - even at home Ranger seems to be playing up front on his own, against Peterborough N'Guessan was on the wing in front of Hall and that whole left side looked static. Even when Pritchard was in acres of space on the far side they didn't have the wherewithal to switch the play.
We've got a big man up front (for now at least) who's great in the air and can hold the ball up - play proper wide men i.e. Pritchard and Byrne for example, get some balls in the box and see what happens. There are many sides in this league who don't have a defence any better than ours, and they will make mistakes too if put under pressure, but playing a passing game through the middle plays into their hands - we're not getting in behind, and against a lot of teams will just hit a brick wall. Keep replaying the Coventry winner in my mind - big ball from Wes, flick on from Ranger, Storey the only man up front with sufficient pace to beat the offside and get in behind steps up with a lovely finish. I don't expect that to happen every time we lump a ball forward of course but surely getting the ball to Ranger so he can feed a player with pace is the way?Swindon1984

Psychedelic Syd wrote:
Yes we have hit a bad patch and our away form for most of the season has been poor - I couldn't go on Saturday but have seen many of our (usually dismal!) efforts away from home and will continue to go to as many matches as I can because the worse they are doing, the more they need our support. Of course I'm bitterly disappointed when they lose because I always want Town to win and do well but after 50 years following the club I can't get into the &quot;sack the manager, Power is useless, not going to renew my season ticket" mentality. We've always had more lows than highs - maybe that makes the highs all the sweeter. Our side isn't far short of being pretty good which considering our financial circumstances is remarkable. At times this season they have played some great football and shown much promise. We do have a problem with defence and leadership on the field, lack a dominant combative midfielder and in common with about 75% of all other clubs, don't have a consistent goal scorer. However over the years I have seen much, much weaker Swindon teams that have given you no cause for any optimism at all. At least now, despite our problems and disregarding the loan players, we have a strong core group of young players that could form the basis of a side capable of challenging for a promotion spot next season. Cooper is relatively inexperienced but appears to me to be doing a good job in very difficult circumstances. I don't understand people calling for his head just because we lose a few. Many people this season have recalled with affection Bert Head's young team from the early 60's, Summerbee, Hunt, Woodruffe, Rogers, Trollope et al, but it shouldn't be forgotten that his star studded team of youngsters also got relegated for all their ability. I think we have a strong enough group of players to avoid that fate this season. Just because we are not setting the league alight and winning every match, it is no time to be pressing the panic button or start saying you're going to jump ship. Being a true supporter means through thick and thin, good times and bad - bit like being married! So far this season I would say it is a middling one, neither horrendously dreadful or exhilaratingly uplifting although there have been elements of both at times. People need to keep a sense of perspective however depressed they feel after a losing run. COYMR

Very good post, I think the Jury is still out on Cooper, but lets face it his hands are tied as so many managers at Swindon have been over the years. I personally would have liked an experienced manager who is used to working within financial restrictions who can motivate players and get that little bit more from them.

IMO some of this is not Cooper, it is Power, he has decided we should be the Barcelona of league 1 and play nothing but football, frankly great idea, the realism is something else, under PDC we didn't always play great but most of the time we played an attack minded game with a solid defence.

Our defence this year has let us down, Wardy as much as I love him hasn't looked great this year and Hall is a waste of a place in the team, poor positioning, not great in the air and runs at a snails pace.

We need to mix it up a bit, Ranger has only got seven goals because he always plays with his back to goal, I would like to see him in the box more getting on the end of crosses, we always play the ball about too much and allow the defenders time to get back, some urgency is required to get the ball in the box a bit quicker, we are also as said missing that tackling midfielder, kassim does it, but IMO we look better with Harley who puts a shift in and tracks runners., Luongo is a great player but can be greedy on the ball and doesn't tackle enough, I would also like to see Louie get a run in the team.
I am not unhappy with the way things are going, at the start of the season I would have taken anything other than relegation, I think Power will get rid of the wages of, Willow, Navaro, Cox, Benson and get some more decent young players in, but as Cooper keeps saying the young players lack experience when its needed.

[quote][p][bold]Psychedelic Syd[/bold] wrote:
Yes we have hit a bad patch and our away form for most of the season has been poor - I couldn't go on Saturday but have seen many of our (usually dismal!) efforts away from home and will continue to go to as many matches as I can because the worse they are doing, the more they need our support. Of course I'm bitterly disappointed when they lose because I always want Town to win and do well but after 50 years following the club I can't get into the "sack the manager, Power is useless, not going to renew my season ticket" mentality. We've always had more lows than highs - maybe that makes the highs all the sweeter. Our side isn't far short of being pretty good which considering our financial circumstances is remarkable. At times this season they have played some great football and shown much promise. We do have a problem with defence and leadership on the field, lack a dominant combative midfielder and in common with about 75% of all other clubs, don't have a consistent goal scorer. However over the years I have seen much, much weaker Swindon teams that have given you no cause for any optimism at all. At least now, despite our problems and disregarding the loan players, we have a strong core group of young players that could form the basis of a side capable of challenging for a promotion spot next season. Cooper is relatively inexperienced but appears to me to be doing a good job in very difficult circumstances. I don't understand people calling for his head just because we lose a few. Many people this season have recalled with affection Bert Head's young team from the early 60's, Summerbee, Hunt, Woodruffe, Rogers, Trollope et al, but it shouldn't be forgotten that his star studded team of youngsters also got relegated for all their ability. I think we have a strong enough group of players to avoid that fate this season. Just because we are not setting the league alight and winning every match, it is no time to be pressing the panic button or start saying you're going to jump ship. Being a true supporter means through thick and thin, good times and bad - bit like being married! So far this season I would say it is a middling one, neither horrendously dreadful or exhilaratingly uplifting although there have been elements of both at times. People need to keep a sense of perspective however depressed they feel after a losing run. COYMR[/p][/quote]Very good post, I think the Jury is still out on Cooper, but lets face it his hands are tied as so many managers at Swindon have been over the years. I personally would have liked an experienced manager who is used to working within financial restrictions who can motivate players and get that little bit more from them.
IMO some of this is not Cooper, it is Power, he has decided we should be the Barcelona of league 1 and play nothing but football, frankly great idea, the realism is something else, under PDC we didn't always play great but most of the time we played an attack minded game with a solid defence.
Our defence this year has let us down, Wardy as much as I love him hasn't looked great this year and Hall is a waste of a place in the team, poor positioning, not great in the air and runs at a snails pace.
We need to mix it up a bit, Ranger has only got seven goals because he always plays with his back to goal, I would like to see him in the box more getting on the end of crosses, we always play the ball about too much and allow the defenders time to get back, some urgency is required to get the ball in the box a bit quicker, we are also as said missing that tackling midfielder, kassim does it, but IMO we look better with Harley who puts a shift in and tracks runners., Luongo is a great player but can be greedy on the ball and doesn't tackle enough, I would also like to see Louie get a run in the team.
I am not unhappy with the way things are going, at the start of the season I would have taken anything other than relegation, I think Power will get rid of the wages of, Willow, Navaro, Cox, Benson and get some more decent young players in, but as Cooper keeps saying the young players lack experience when its needed.you gots ta be kidding me

2 Words organisation And motivation, Cooper doesn't have either this and this alone is the reason for our performances. The defence is a shambles and I don't just mean the back 4 or 3, defending starts at the front, we don't get enough bodies behind the ball.
Cooper's lack of articulate speech sends me to sleep so I probably has the same effect on the players, in this respect he reminds me of Hart. We need a manager that projects passion and desire.

Yes I'm Silloyal but when I see things aren't right then I reserve the right to apportion blame when it's due just as I reserve the right to give credit where it's due and I think that Power deserves some of hat credit.

Happy birthday to the Fridge one of the best C/B and captains ever to wear a Town shirt.

2 Words organisation And motivation, Cooper doesn't have either this and this alone is the reason for our performances. The defence is a shambles and I don't just mean the back 4 or 3, defending starts at the front, we don't get enough bodies behind the ball.
Cooper's lack of articulate speech sends me to sleep so I probably has the same effect on the players, in this respect he reminds me of Hart. We need a manager that projects passion and desire.
Yes I'm Silloyal but when I see things aren't right then I reserve the right to apportion blame when it's due just as I reserve the right to give credit where it's due and I think that Power deserves some of hat credit.
Happy birthday to the Fridge one of the best C/B and captains ever to wear a Town shirt.Stilloyal

This board is a bit like listening to Manure fans on 606 supporting a Moyes sacking or not. Does sacking the manager every 6 months work ? And would the new manager be the first choice of everyone ?

As for ousting Power I think one poster has been looking at too many peaches.

COYMR

This board is a bit like listening to Manure fans on 606 supporting a Moyes sacking or not. Does sacking the manager every 6 months work ? And would the new manager be the first choice of everyone ?
As for ousting Power I think one poster has been looking at too many peaches.
COYMROxon-Red

I agree with much of what's been said. We are mostly winning at home and mostly losing away. Clearly, changing the team and tactics for away games is not working, nor anywhere near working.
So for goodness sake play the same team and tactics away as at home. It surely can't work any less well, and will probably work much better.
I support this manager on the whole, but if he is trying to prove how tactically astute he is, then he's not convincing anyone at the moment.
Mick

I agree with much of what's been said. We are mostly winning at home and mostly losing away. Clearly, changing the team and tactics for away games is not working, nor anywhere near working.
So for goodness sake play the same team and tactics away as at home. It surely can't work any less well, and will probably work much better.
I support this manager on the whole, but if he is trying to prove how tactically astute he is, then he's not convincing anyone at the moment.
Mickmickry

Oxon-Red wrote:
This board is a bit like listening to Manure fans on 606 supporting a Moyes sacking or not. Does sacking the manager every 6 months work ? And would the new manager be the first choice of everyone ?

As for ousting Power I think one poster has been looking at too many peaches.

COYMR

Sacking the manager evy 6 months is no the anwr.

Who would we replace hm wit? Well, f w have no mony, it will likely be a similary inexperienced manager. Saying that, some posters on here would moan even if we appointed Mourinho.

[quote][p][bold]Oxon-Red[/bold] wrote:
This board is a bit like listening to Manure fans on 606 supporting a Moyes sacking or not. Does sacking the manager every 6 months work ? And would the new manager be the first choice of everyone ?
As for ousting Power I think one poster has been looking at too many peaches.
COYMR[/p][/quote]Sacking the manager evy 6 months is no the anwr.
Who would we replace hm wit? Well, f w have no mony, it will likely be a similary inexperienced manager. Saying that, some posters on here would moan even if we appointed Mourinho.Carlo

Syd top post but nothing I wouldn't expect from a man who I noted Saturday read The Times......

The sack Cooper thing is over doing it. If the Adver could talk to the club perhaps they would put this nonsense of Spurs players "having" to play to bed. Can't believe that's true but if it is let's have it out in the open. ire can then be fired at Power not the manager. That said Massimo is ours so doesn't stop him being dropped other than we allegedly paid 400k for him.

London Red I'd like the Manager to try out your team. I'd still have Pritchard in instead of Harley and I'd like Troy back in place of Ward but let's face it that team can't do worse than we're doing away at the moment.......

Syd top post but nothing I wouldn't expect from a man who I noted Saturday read The Times......
The sack Cooper thing is over doing it. If the Adver could talk to the club perhaps they would put this nonsense of Spurs players "having" to play to bed. Can't believe that's true but if it is let's have it out in the open. ire can then be fired at Power not the manager. That said Massimo is ours so doesn't stop him being dropped other than we allegedly paid 400k for him.
London Red I'd like the Manager to try out your team. I'd still have Pritchard in instead of Harley and I'd like Troy back in place of Ward but let's face it that team can't do worse than we're doing away at the moment.......dreamofacleansheet2

I wont give up on us
even if the skies get rough
i`m giving you all my love
i`m still looking up

That`s the chorus of a song
by Jason Mraz.
anyone who has not heard this song should listen to it on
youtube, great song great lyrics
and very appropriate for this thread or at least some of the posts on this thread.

I wont give up on us
even if the skies get rough
i`m giving you all my love
i`m still looking up
That`s the chorus of a song
by Jason Mraz.
anyone who has not heard this song should listen to it on
youtube, great song great lyrics
and very appropriate for this thread or at least some of the posts on this thread.Steve. Brentford

Stilloyal wrote:
2 Words organisation And motivation, Cooper doesn't have either this and this alone is the reason for our performances. The defence is a shambles and I don't just mean the back 4 or 3, defending starts at the front, we don't get enough bodies behind the ball.
Cooper's lack of articulate speech sends me to sleep so I probably has the same effect on the players, in this respect he reminds me of Hart. We need a manager that projects passion and desire.

Yes I'm Silloyal but when I see things aren't right then I reserve the right to apportion blame when it's due just as I reserve the right to give credit where it's due and I think that Power deserves some of hat credit.

Happy birthday to the Fridge one of the best C/B and captains ever to wear a Town shirt.

Post of 2014 so far, respect.

[quote][p][bold]Stilloyal[/bold] wrote:
2 Words organisation And motivation, Cooper doesn't have either this and this alone is the reason for our performances. The defence is a shambles and I don't just mean the back 4 or 3, defending starts at the front, we don't get enough bodies behind the ball.
Cooper's lack of articulate speech sends me to sleep so I probably has the same effect on the players, in this respect he reminds me of Hart. We need a manager that projects passion and desire.
Yes I'm Silloyal but when I see things aren't right then I reserve the right to apportion blame when it's due just as I reserve the right to give credit where it's due and I think that Power deserves some of hat credit.
Happy birthday to the Fridge one of the best C/B and captains ever to wear a Town shirt.[/p][/quote]Post of 2014 so far, respect.stranglers

London Red wrote:
As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them!
.
OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in?
.
Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player
.
N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about!
.
Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4!
.
Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role
.
At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up
.
Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game!
.
Fodders
N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley
L.Thompson Kasim
Harley
N'Gussan Ranger
.
Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey
.
Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for it

Not a bad 11 to set up for an away games LR, but when we are at home think we need at least one natural wide man and Pritchard would be my choice probably in preference to Dany who seems to be lacking a bit of energy and has shown he can change games when introduced as a sub.

If Hall is out for a week or two with injury I would also include Barcham on the bench, who is not far behind Nat Thompson in ability. It was reported Nat had another bad game Saturday although I thought he had his best game of the season against the Posh. Decisions, decisions, who'd be a manager. Lol

[quote][p][bold]London Red[/bold] wrote:
As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them!
.
OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in?
.
Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player
.
N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about!
.
Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4!
.
Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role
.
At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up
.
Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game!
.
Fodders
N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley
L.Thompson Kasim
Harley
N'Gussan Ranger
.
Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey
.
Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for it[/p][/quote]Not a bad 11 to set up for an away games LR, but when we are at home think we need at least one natural wide man and Pritchard would be my choice probably in preference to Dany who seems to be lacking a bit of energy and has shown he can change games when introduced as a sub.
If Hall is out for a week or two with injury I would also include Barcham on the bench, who is not far behind Nat Thompson in ability. It was reported Nat had another bad game Saturday although I thought he had his best game of the season against the Posh. Decisions, decisions, who'd be a manager. Lolold town robin

London Red wrote: As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them! . OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in? . Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player . N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about! . Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4! . Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role . At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up . Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game! . Fodders N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley L.Thompson Kasim Harley N'Gussan Ranger . Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey . Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for it

Not a bad 11 to set up for an away games LR, but when we are at home think we need at least one natural wide man and Pritchard would be my choice probably in preference to Dany who seems to be lacking a bit of energy and has shown he can change games when introduced as a sub. If Hall is out for a week or two with injury I would also include Barcham on the bench, who is not far behind Nat Thompson in ability. It was reported Nat had another bad game Saturday although I thought he had his best game of the season against the Posh. Decisions, decisions, who'd be a manager. Lol

There's only 10

[quote][p][bold]old town robin[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]London Red[/bold] wrote: As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them! . OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in? . Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player . N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about! . Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4! . Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role . At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up . Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game! . Fodders N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley L.Thompson Kasim Harley N'Gussan Ranger . Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey . Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for it[/p][/quote]Not a bad 11 to set up for an away games LR, but when we are at home think we need at least one natural wide man and Pritchard would be my choice probably in preference to Dany who seems to be lacking a bit of energy and has shown he can change games when introduced as a sub. If Hall is out for a week or two with injury I would also include Barcham on the bench, who is not far behind Nat Thompson in ability. It was reported Nat had another bad game Saturday although I thought he had his best game of the season against the Posh. Decisions, decisions, who'd be a manager. Lol[/p][/quote]There's only 10Brainy_G93

Billy hunt 65 wrote:
Cooper and Power out will not be renewing my season ticket next season
It's flat and a shambles.

Total agreement this club is going one way and that's down so power and cooper out and quick !!!!!

[quote][p][bold]Billy hunt 65[/bold] wrote:
Cooper and Power out will not be renewing my season ticket next season
It's flat and a shambles.[/p][/quote]Total agreement this club is going one way and that's down so power and cooper out and quick !!!!!harley red

Dreams/OTR - that certainly was more of an "away" team - and agree at home we don't need to change much as we are the best in L1!
.
So Pritchard would come in for Louis Thompson with N'Guessan going out wide and back to our usual 433
.
Personally wouldn't play Pritchard in the team as he won't track back and work as hard as Harley and away from home we need that to be the priority - as if we keep a clean sheet we have at least a point
.
Didn't include Troy or Tijane as both are still quoted as being a few weeks away - once they are back then we should certainly look at them - though I'm more inclined to keep Ward and have Troy next to him - as we want the few experienced heads we have in the team

Dreams/OTR - that certainly was more of an "away" team - and agree at home we don't need to change much as we are the best in L1!
.
So Pritchard would come in for Louis Thompson with N'Guessan going out wide and back to our usual 433
.
Personally wouldn't play Pritchard in the team as he won't track back and work as hard as Harley and away from home we need that to be the priority - as if we keep a clean sheet we have at least a point
.
Didn't include Troy or Tijane as both are still quoted as being a few weeks away - once they are back then we should certainly look at them - though I'm more inclined to keep Ward and have Troy next to him - as we want the few experienced heads we have in the teamLondon Red

London Red wrote: As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them! . OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in? . Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player . N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about! . Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4! . Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role . At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up . Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game! . Fodders N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley L.Thompson Kasim Harley N'Gussan Ranger . Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey . Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for it

Not a bad 11 to set up for an away games LR, but when we are at home think we need at least one natural wide man and Pritchard would be my choice probably in preference to Dany who seems to be lacking a bit of energy and has shown he can change games when introduced as a sub. If Hall is out for a week or two with injury I would also include Barcham on the bench, who is not far behind Nat Thompson in ability. It was reported Nat had another bad game Saturday although I thought he had his best game of the season against the Posh. Decisions, decisions, who'd be a manager. Lol

There's only 10

Well picked up Brainy, then I would definitely start with Pritchard, Dany and Ranger (if available) up front.

If Nile becomes unavailable, Cooper seems to adament he wants another number 9. Just 11 days to go get somone in before close of transfer window

[quote][p][bold]Brainy_G93[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]old town robin[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]London Red[/bold] wrote: As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them! . OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in? . Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player . N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about! . Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4! . Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role . At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up . Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game! . Fodders N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley L.Thompson Kasim Harley N'Gussan Ranger . Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey . Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for it[/p][/quote]Not a bad 11 to set up for an away games LR, but when we are at home think we need at least one natural wide man and Pritchard would be my choice probably in preference to Dany who seems to be lacking a bit of energy and has shown he can change games when introduced as a sub. If Hall is out for a week or two with injury I would also include Barcham on the bench, who is not far behind Nat Thompson in ability. It was reported Nat had another bad game Saturday although I thought he had his best game of the season against the Posh. Decisions, decisions, who'd be a manager. Lol[/p][/quote]There's only 10[/p][/quote]Well picked up Brainy, then I would definitely start with Pritchard, Dany and Ranger (if available) up front.
If Nile becomes unavailable, Cooper seems to adament he wants another number 9. Just 11 days to go get somone in before close of transfer windowold town robin

Sorry mark having backed you and still will, stop the **** post match comments and tell the people who write on here that don't go to away matches the truth.
We DID NOT play for 20 mins, we DID NOT play 4 upfront, what we did do is play two awful players out of position,and the other awful defender this season. We only had one chance from the over rated kasim, poor man Ritchie tried to take the team on AGAIN, a forward who had no service , who I believe you will make a scapegoat out of.we were abysmal and deserved to get beat by a greater margin by a poor team who wanted it more,
You need to stop this bullshiit because on the train home many are going to call for your head Saturday after reading your post report.
I think you may survive Saturday with a win, but if it goes against us early doors be aware very away
The futures cooper? Or is it? We wait for Saturday I guess,
P.s please don't say your happy with the transfers because we have only signed one, and he don't look very convincing.

Sorry mark having backed you and still will, stop the **** post match comments and tell the people who write on here that don't go to away matches the truth.
We DID NOT play for 20 mins, we DID NOT play 4 upfront, what we did do is play two awful players out of position,and the other awful defender this season. We only had one chance from the over rated kasim, poor man Ritchie tried to take the team on AGAIN, a forward who had no service , who I believe you will make a scapegoat out of.we were abysmal and deserved to get beat by a greater margin by a poor team who wanted it more,
You need to stop this bullshiit because on the train home many are going to call for your head Saturday after reading your post report.
I think you may survive Saturday with a win, but if it goes against us early doors be aware very away
The futures cooper? Or is it? We wait for Saturday I guess,
P.s please don't say your happy with the transfers because we have only signed one, and he don't look very convincing.smirg kcab

Watched MOD2 last night and Hansen gave his verdict on Swansea, he said thy have been found out as they always play the ball out from the back so teams are pressing them at the top end of the pitch and forcing them into mistakes and are now an easy team to play against does this sound familiar ?
Eventually they played a long ball and scored ! C'mon MC we need to mix it up more during games and not be so predictable yes our home form is good but with the teams still to come to the CG and remember the better teams like Orient & Walsall both done a job on us we may have to start looking over our shoulders , I hope not and would be happy with a mid table finish at the moment . COYR !

Watched MOD2 last night and Hansen gave his verdict on Swansea, he said thy have been found out as they always play the ball out from the back so teams are pressing them at the top end of the pitch and forcing them into mistakes and are now an easy team to play against does this sound familiar ?
Eventually they played a long ball and scored ! C'mon MC we need to mix it up more during games and not be so predictable yes our home form is good but with the teams still to come to the CG and remember the better teams like Orient & Walsall both done a job on us we may have to start looking over our shoulders , I hope not and would be happy with a mid table finish at the moment . COYR !badger58

Billy hunt 65 wrote:
Cooper and Power out will not be renewing my season ticket next season
It's flat and a shambles.

Total agreement this club is going one way and that's down so power and cooper out and quick !!!!!

Harley whats the plan if Power and Cooper leave?

[quote][p][bold]harley red[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Billy hunt 65[/bold] wrote:
Cooper and Power out will not be renewing my season ticket next season
It's flat and a shambles.[/p][/quote]Total agreement this club is going one way and that's down so power and cooper out and quick !!!!![/p][/quote]Harley whats the plan if Power and Cooper leave?6degreessouth

Billy hunt 65 wrote:
Cooper and Power out will not be renewing my season ticket next season
It's flat and a shambles.

Total agreement this club is going one way and that's down so power and cooper out and quick !!!!!

Harley whats the plan if Power and Cooper leave?

Harley with a plan. Come off it. All he can do is moan. I am surprised that the record hasn't broken yet.

[quote][p][bold]6degreessouth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]harley red[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Billy hunt 65[/bold] wrote:
Cooper and Power out will not be renewing my season ticket next season
It's flat and a shambles.[/p][/quote]Total agreement this club is going one way and that's down so power and cooper out and quick !!!!![/p][/quote]Harley whats the plan if Power and Cooper leave?[/p][/quote]Harley with a plan. Come off it. All he can do is moan. I am surprised that the record hasn't broken yet.stfcdod

London Red wrote:
Dreams/OTR - that certainly was more of an &quot;away" team - and agree at home we don't need to change much as we are the best in L1!
.
So Pritchard would come in for Louis Thompson with N'Guessan going out wide and back to our usual 433
.
Personally wouldn't play Pritchard in the team as he won't track back and work as hard as Harley and away from home we need that to be the priority - as if we keep a clean sheet we have at least a point
.
Didn't include Troy or Tijane as both are still quoted as being a few weeks away - once they are back then we should certainly look at them - though I'm more inclined to keep Ward and have Troy next to him - as we want the few experienced heads we have in the team

You'd want Pritchard in the team if you saw the Bradford game he was the best player on the pitch by some distance. Very inconsistent though I'll admit.

[quote][p][bold]London Red[/bold] wrote:
Dreams/OTR - that certainly was more of an "away" team - and agree at home we don't need to change much as we are the best in L1!
.
So Pritchard would come in for Louis Thompson with N'Guessan going out wide and back to our usual 433
.
Personally wouldn't play Pritchard in the team as he won't track back and work as hard as Harley and away from home we need that to be the priority - as if we keep a clean sheet we have at least a point
.
Didn't include Troy or Tijane as both are still quoted as being a few weeks away - once they are back then we should certainly look at them - though I'm more inclined to keep Ward and have Troy next to him - as we want the few experienced heads we have in the team[/p][/quote]You'd want Pritchard in the team if you saw the Bradford game he was the best player on the pitch by some distance. Very inconsistent though I'll admit.Wilesy

Graham8181 wrote:
COOPER OUT !!!! you're the manager that has to motivate the players before the game to play. how the hell can you have a go at them for only playing 20 minutes, you obviously are not motivating them. our old manager didn't fail in motivating his players for 90 minutes. its the difference between a good manager and an old one. its about time you took some responsibility cooper and not blame the young players. you have made so many on-going mistakes this season.

old = bad

I don't think so - more passionate, more exciting and value for money.

[quote][p][bold]Graham8181[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Graham8181[/bold] wrote:
COOPER OUT !!!! you're the manager that has to motivate the players before the game to play. how the hell can you have a go at them for only playing 20 minutes, you obviously are not motivating them. our old manager didn't fail in motivating his players for 90 minutes. its the difference between a good manager and an old one. its about time you took some responsibility cooper and not blame the young players. you have made so many on-going mistakes this season.[/p][/quote]old = bad[/p][/quote]I don't think so - more passionate, more exciting and value for money.jillyh

Badger , you took the words out of my mouth or off my keyboard , the very same thought went through my head and I mentioned it at lunch , when Hanson was referring to Swansea he could easily have been talking about us , and to watch it on TV it was so obvious , lots of Prem teams like to play for pssession but they also all know there is a time to release it and take the pressure off at the back . Wake up and smell the coffeee M Cooper

Badger , you took the words out of my mouth or off my keyboard , the very same thought went through my head and I mentioned it at lunch , when Hanson was referring to Swansea he could easily have been talking about us , and to watch it on TV it was so obvious , lots of Prem teams like to play for pssession but they also all know there is a time to release it and take the pressure off at the back . Wake up and smell the coffeee M Cooperhertz

As pointed out I managed to only select 10!
.
So I guess it would be a toss up between Pritchard to keep the 433 with a tad more defensive middle trio or adding in another CB and going 532
.
This could be Jay with Byrne as wingback or Hall/Troy/Oakley at CB with Jay staying out wide
.
Or could add in Luongo and have a diamond in midfield to pack it out and ask Harley to push on as bit more as there will be 3 behind him
.
That way we could have Dany get on behind the defense for a flick on and Harley coming in close for knock downs from Nile
.
Also we could then have Dany and Harley drift out wide to offer width - as Luongo and Kasim should be pushing forward in box-to-box roles
.
Plenty of options available

As pointed out I managed to only select 10!
.
So I guess it would be a toss up between Pritchard to keep the 433 with a tad more defensive middle trio or adding in another CB and going 532
.
This could be Jay with Byrne as wingback or Hall/Troy/Oakley at CB with Jay staying out wide
.
Or could add in Luongo and have a diamond in midfield to pack it out and ask Harley to push on as bit more as there will be 3 behind him
.
That way we could have Dany get on behind the defense for a flick on and Harley coming in close for knock downs from Nile
.
Also we could then have Dany and Harley drift out wide to offer width - as Luongo and Kasim should be pushing forward in box-to-box roles
.
Plenty of options availableLondon Red

phychedelic syd have just read your excellent post ,I totally agree with every point you make ,they echo my thoughts exactly .A final word on bert heads babes ,they were slung in the deep end ,and it took a few seasons and a fair bit of patience for them to mature before promotion was achieved - perhaps food for thought on todays team.

phychedelic syd have just read your excellent post ,I totally agree with every point you make ,they echo my thoughts exactly .A final word on bert heads babes ,they were slung in the deep end ,and it took a few seasons and a fair bit of patience for them to mature before promotion was achieved - perhaps food for thought on todays team.lifelong red

Just seen Wolves are due to loan Jake Cassidy back to Tranmere
.
Now surely we are not rivals to Wolves anymore and could offer him a better standard of football than trnamere who have gone shockingly downhill since he left last Jan!
.
Cassidy and Ranger would be an amazing front line!
.
Plus if he settles he could fit our bill off up and coming young talent - I'm sure he could be prised away from Wolves for 6 figures - this would have been his year if he was going to make it there!

Just seen Wolves are due to loan Jake Cassidy back to Tranmere
.
Now surely we are not rivals to Wolves anymore and could offer him a better standard of football than trnamere who have gone shockingly downhill since he left last Jan!
.
Cassidy and Ranger would be an amazing front line!
.
Plus if he settles he could fit our bill off up and coming young talent - I'm sure he could be prised away from Wolves for 6 figures - this would have been his year if he was going to make it there!London Red

badger58 wrote:
Watched MOD2 last night and Hansen gave his verdict on Swansea, he said thy have been found out as they always play the ball out from the back so teams are pressing them at the top end of the pitch and forcing them into mistakes and are now an easy team to play against does this sound familiar ? Eventually they played a long ball and scored ! C'mon MC we need to mix it up more during games and not be so predictable yes our home form is good but with the teams still to come to the CG and remember the better teams like Orient &amp; Walsall both done a job on us we may have to start looking over our shoulders , I hope not and would be happy with a mid table finish at the moment . COYR !

That's exactly what we did at QPR and why Arry said we were the best team to go there!
.
Short passing is good when you have the opportunity to do it - but the odd hoof or direct pass is fine to mix it up - its much better to do that than cause an error like we did at Stevenage

[quote][p][bold]badger58[/bold] wrote:
Watched MOD2 last night and Hansen gave his verdict on Swansea, he said thy have been found out as they always play the ball out from the back so teams are pressing them at the top end of the pitch and forcing them into mistakes and are now an easy team to play against does this sound familiar ? Eventually they played a long ball and scored ! C'mon MC we need to mix it up more during games and not be so predictable yes our home form is good but with the teams still to come to the CG and remember the better teams like Orient & Walsall both done a job on us we may have to start looking over our shoulders , I hope not and would be happy with a mid table finish at the moment . COYR ![/p][/quote]That's exactly what we did at QPR and why Arry said we were the best team to go there!
.
Short passing is good when you have the opportunity to do it - but the odd hoof or direct pass is fine to mix it up - its much better to do that than cause an error like we did at StevenageLondon Red

Wilesy wrote:
How are the tactics currently different away from home? I thought we generally were starting 4-5-1 home and away?

Don't let facts get in the way of a good whinge..

[quote][p][bold]Wilesy[/bold] wrote:
How are the tactics currently different away from home? I thought we generally were starting 4-5-1 home and away?[/p][/quote]Don't let facts get in the way of a good whinge..castle9

Come on Coops tell us a another one! their young and their learning? your having a tin bath! their a bunch of homers! (I don't know why we're good at the County Ground? cause most of them have only played there a few times!) soon has we travel outside dear ol Wiltshire, we're cr@p and a very soft touch! it's all in the mind dear boy! it's a football field home or away grass with white lines and a few supporters watching(quote from ol Cloughie) sort your kids out Coops and get them playing away as we do at home,the Red Army away support deserves better much better sort it!!!!!!!!

Come on Coops tell us a another one! their young and their learning? your having a tin bath! their a bunch of homers! (I don't know why we're good at the County Ground? cause most of them have only played there a few times!) soon has we travel outside dear ol Wiltshire, we're cr@p and a very soft touch! it's all in the mind dear boy! it's a football field home or away grass with white lines and a few supporters watching(quote from ol Cloughie) sort your kids out Coops and get them playing away as we do at home,the Red Army away support deserves better much better sort it!!!!!!!!the don69

Billy hunt 65 wrote:
Cooper and Power out will not be renewing my season ticket next season
It's flat and a shambles.

Total agreement this club is going one way and that's down so power and cooper out and quick !!!!!

Harley whats the plan if Power and Cooper leave?

Harley with a plan. Come off it. All he can do is moan. I am surprised that the record hasn't broken yet.

Hardly Red hardly has a brain, let alone a plan. zzzz

[quote][p][bold]stfcdod[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]6degreessouth[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]harley red[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Billy hunt 65[/bold] wrote:
Cooper and Power out will not be renewing my season ticket next season
It's flat and a shambles.[/p][/quote]Total agreement this club is going one way and that's down so power and cooper out and quick !!!!![/p][/quote]Harley whats the plan if Power and Cooper leave?[/p][/quote]Harley with a plan. Come off it. All he can do is moan. I am surprised that the record hasn't broken yet.[/p][/quote]Hardly Red hardly has a brain, let alone a plan. zzzzcastle9

London Red wrote:
As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them!
.
OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in?
.
Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player
.
N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about!
.
Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4!
.
Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role
.
At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up
.
Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game!
.
Fodders
N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley
L.Thompson Kasim
Harley
N'Gussan Ranger
.
Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey
.
Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for it

It's not a few tweaks me need, LR, it's a few players. Cooper has exactly the same problem Wilson and Hart faced after Wilson lost the plot in 09/10. MacDonald encountered the same difficulties when picking up the pieces after the loss of several influential PDC players. Di Canio himself saw the writing on the wall. The money dried up and the game was up. From then on a struggle was inevitable.

I'd say Cooper is far from a failure. The home form has been a big bonus and a big surprise. He's managed to get a weak team punching above its weight at the County Ground and he deserves great credit for that. The away form is no surprise at all. I'm pleasantly surprised that we don't already have one foot through the trap door - and that is Cooper's achievement. If we don't get some tough campaigners in soon, we'll be scrapping at the wrong end of the table within a few weeks. Or rather we won't be scrapping because this team can't do that. No amount of tweaking is going to change that.

[quote][p][bold]London Red[/bold] wrote:
As I said in the other article and as others above have been hinting at - The main issue is he does have a few options but so far has not chosen to use them!
.
OK they are young and learning - so why not put the older heads in?
.
Mason has been off his game for a few weeks and was nowhere to be seen at HOME to Posh - so drop him to the bench and bring in Harley - the older more expereinced player
.
N'Guessan has been around the block - so why is he on the bench? Couldn't he come in alongside Ranger? Having 2 up would have given the defenders something different to think about!
.
Alternatively try a different youngster in a different style - L Thompson is probably the most defensice so stick him in in front of the back 4!
.
Then choose one from Luongo or Kassim for the box-to box role
.
At the back Branco has come in and done well in a back 4 so drop Hall for a few games to see if we start to pick up
.
Otherwise it will turn out liike the end of the Wilson era - where he stuck to the same 11 every game and wondered why we got the same result every game!
.
Fodders
N.Thompson Branco Ward McEverley
L.Thompson Kasim
Harley
N'Gussan Ranger
.
Belford, Hall, Byrne, Mason, Pritchard, Luongo, Barker/Storey
.
Only a few tweaks but suddenly a very different team with lots of options from the bench to tighten things up or really go for it[/p][/quote]It's not a few tweaks me need, LR, it's a few players. Cooper has exactly the same problem Wilson and Hart faced after Wilson lost the plot in 09/10. MacDonald encountered the same difficulties when picking up the pieces after the loss of several influential PDC players. Di Canio himself saw the writing on the wall. The money dried up and the game was up. From then on a struggle was inevitable.
I'd say Cooper is far from a failure. The home form has been a big bonus and a big surprise. He's managed to get a weak team punching above its weight at the County Ground and he deserves great credit for that. The away form is no surprise at all. I'm pleasantly surprised that we don't already have one foot through the trap door - and that is Cooper's achievement. If we don't get some tough campaigners in soon, we'll be scrapping at the wrong end of the table within a few weeks. Or rather we won't be scrapping because this team can't do that. No amount of tweaking is going to change that.Oi Den!

lifelong red wrote:
phychedelic syd have just read your excellent post ,I totally agree with every point you make ,they echo my thoughts exactly .A final word on bert heads babes ,they were slung in the deep end ,and it took a few seasons and a fair bit of patience for them to mature before promotion was achieved - perhaps food for thought on todays team.

Lifelong - re Bert's babes- the big difference being that all team members were STFC players - no loanees so I don't think it's really a fair comparison plus players were more settled in those days perhaps? No agents touting them around other clubs - just hard working players grafting a living.

[quote][p][bold]lifelong red[/bold] wrote:
phychedelic syd have just read your excellent post ,I totally agree with every point you make ,they echo my thoughts exactly .A final word on bert heads babes ,they were slung in the deep end ,and it took a few seasons and a fair bit of patience for them to mature before promotion was achieved - perhaps food for thought on todays team.[/p][/quote]Lifelong - re Bert's babes- the big difference being that all team members were STFC players - no loanees so I don't think it's really a fair comparison plus players were more settled in those days perhaps? No agents touting them around other clubs - just hard working players grafting a living.The Jockster

lifelong red wrote:
phychedelic syd have just read your excellent post ,I totally agree with every point you make ,they echo my thoughts exactly .A final word on bert heads babes ,they were slung in the deep end ,and it took a few seasons and a fair bit of patience for them to mature before promotion was achieved - perhaps food for thought on todays team.

Lifelong - re Bert's babes- the big difference being that all team members were STFC players - no loanees so I don't think it's really a fair comparison plus players were more settled in those days perhaps? No agents touting them around other clubs - just hard working players grafting a living.

Exactly. I wonder how many of our "young and learning" team will be with us even beyond the end of this season? Who is going to benefit from this footballing education that our club is providing? It's often said that we're building for next season. The proof of the pudding...

[quote][p][bold]The Jockster[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]lifelong red[/bold] wrote:
phychedelic syd have just read your excellent post ,I totally agree with every point you make ,they echo my thoughts exactly .A final word on bert heads babes ,they were slung in the deep end ,and it took a few seasons and a fair bit of patience for them to mature before promotion was achieved - perhaps food for thought on todays team.[/p][/quote]Lifelong - re Bert's babes- the big difference being that all team members were STFC players - no loanees so I don't think it's really a fair comparison plus players were more settled in those days perhaps? No agents touting them around other clubs - just hard working players grafting a living.[/p][/quote]Exactly. I wonder how many of our "young and learning" team will be with us even beyond the end of this season? Who is going to benefit from this footballing education that our club is providing? It's often said that we're building for next season. The proof of the pudding...Oi Den!

Jockster I take on board your points - yes football has changed since those days ,I agree, but the message I'm trying to convey here -and for a young team only put together 6 months ago - patience is in fact a virtue. and in answer to you Den -" I wonder how many of our young and learning team will be with us even beyond the end of this season " .Has this not always been the case? In reality we have always been a nursery for the bigger fish in the sea and probably will be for the forseeable future anyway.

Jockster I take on board your points - yes football has changed since those days ,I agree, but the message I'm trying to convey here -and for a young team only put together 6 months ago - patience is in fact a virtue. and in answer to you Den -" I wonder how many of our young and learning team will be with us even beyond the end of this season " .Has this not always been the case? In reality we have always been a nursery for the bigger fish in the sea and probably will be for the forseeable future anyway.lifelong red

lifelong red wrote:
Jockster I take on board your points - yes football has changed since those days ,I agree, but the message I'm trying to convey here -and for a young team only put together 6 months ago - patience is in fact a virtue. and in answer to you Den -&quot; I wonder how many of our young and learning team will be with us even beyond the end of this season " .Has this not always been the case? In reality we have always been a nursery for the bigger fish in the sea and probably will be for the forseeable future anyway.

Can I add to that the that given our budget this season we have possiby had little choice. The last five managers have all had very decent funds at their disposal, Mark doesn't.

Many see Mark as a puppet, is he ? Players may get signed but I believe (and I maybe wrong) that both he and Luke Williams have an input. However. IMO, we are not as well off as many think we are (not Jock and Den) and these constant cries for replacements will not happen.

Yes we are helping Spurs, and I believe at least two of the three we have on loan will play either in the Prem or Championship, but aren't they helping us too ? We also loan players out, Miles at Salisbury for example. Not ideal but without competitive reserve team leagues it does help young players.

Sorry for going on but we have also taken players on loan which have become very good servants of the club. Much is said of Wes, Greer and Ferry but didn't they come in as loans initially ? Another well thought of player was Danny Ward. Luongo and Byrne were loans.

Much being said of the lack of fight etc and much being blamed on the loanees yet when Nathan fails to perform...

Double standards ?

COYMR

[quote][p][bold]lifelong red[/bold] wrote:
Jockster I take on board your points - yes football has changed since those days ,I agree, but the message I'm trying to convey here -and for a young team only put together 6 months ago - patience is in fact a virtue. and in answer to you Den -" I wonder how many of our young and learning team will be with us even beyond the end of this season " .Has this not always been the case? In reality we have always been a nursery for the bigger fish in the sea and probably will be for the forseeable future anyway.[/p][/quote]Can I add to that the that given our budget this season we have possiby had little choice. The last five managers have all had very decent funds at their disposal, Mark doesn't.
Many see Mark as a puppet, is he ? Players may get signed but I believe (and I maybe wrong) that both he and Luke Williams have an input. However. IMO, we are not as well off as many think we are (not Jock and Den) and these constant cries for replacements will not happen.
Yes we are helping Spurs, and I believe at least two of the three we have on loan will play either in the Prem or Championship, but aren't they helping us too ? We also loan players out, Miles at Salisbury for example. Not ideal but without competitive reserve team leagues it does help young players.
Sorry for going on but we have also taken players on loan which have become very good servants of the club. Much is said of Wes, Greer and Ferry but didn't they come in as loans initially ? Another well thought of player was Danny Ward. Luongo and Byrne were loans.
Much being said of the lack of fight etc and much being blamed on the loanees yet when Nathan fails to perform...
Double standards ?
COYMROxon-Red

lifelong red wrote:
Jockster I take on board your points - yes football has changed since those days ,I agree, but the message I'm trying to convey here -and for a young team only put together 6 months ago - patience is in fact a virtue. and in answer to you Den -&quot; I wonder how many of our young and learning team will be with us even beyond the end of this season " .Has this not always been the case? In reality we have always been a nursery for the bigger fish in the sea and probably will be for the forseeable future anyway.

Can I add to that the that given our budget this season we have possiby had little choice. The last five managers have all had very decent funds at their disposal, Mark doesn't.

Many see Mark as a puppet, is he ? Players may get signed but I believe (and I maybe wrong) that both he and Luke Williams have an input. However. IMO, we are not as well off as many think we are (not Jock and Den) and these constant cries for replacements will not happen.

Yes we are helping Spurs, and I believe at least two of the three we have on loan will play either in the Prem or Championship, but aren't they helping us too ? We also loan players out, Miles at Salisbury for example. Not ideal but without competitive reserve team leagues it does help young players.

Sorry for going on but we have also taken players on loan which have become very good servants of the club. Much is said of Wes, Greer and Ferry but didn't they come in as loans initially ? Another well thought of player was Danny Ward. Luongo and Byrne were loans.

Much being said of the lack of fight etc and much being blamed on the loanees yet when Nathan fails to perform...

Double standards ?

COYMR

Some good points made Oxon-Red. (You forgot to mention the Reading connection of Cox,and Kanu Robertson both did well and now playing in the Championship), going back further , although only here for a short spell who can forget Givens, Flowers, Carrick, Milner and the late Jimmy Davis All except Jimmy have gone on to carve out International Premiership careers.

Getting back to your point on Cooper, IMO there are only one or two posters calling for his head and although most of us accept he isn't the decision maker on signings and even the style in which we play is probably how Lee wants to play. but isn't that what the Technical Director at most clubs do. Reading the thoughts of many posters, it's his post match interviews spouting they're only young and still learning that gets up peoples nose. Agreed we could do with a bit more experience, but the only young excuse isn't used when we do the business at home, so why use it as the reason we don't perform away. he's tried different tactics and with the players he has consistently picked, it has only worked on a couple of occasions. There are probably a combination of reasons why we don't travel well, Wilsey' has a valid point we used to stay over night under the Italian when we had money, that point was demonstrated by winning at Colchester this year. I still maintain one good reason is he (Cooper) has consistently relied on the same players and he has got the same results because they are great when attacking a team that sits back, but don't have a clue what to do when other teams put us under pressure. There is not one in the back 4 (and Wes) that have not given away sloppy goals, I can think of at least 10 occasions. But the real problem is the in-balance of the midfield, 4 players with similar styles of attack minded play who don't know enough of how to defend. Until Cooper sorts this problem out, we will continue to be suspect on the road and IMO he should stand up and admit he is the one that's still learning and as a consequent he is the one shouldering the blame, not naming his number 9 for playing poor when he could have made the decision at any time to take him off, if he was so bad.

[quote][p][bold]Oxon-Red[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]lifelong red[/bold] wrote:
Jockster I take on board your points - yes football has changed since those days ,I agree, but the message I'm trying to convey here -and for a young team only put together 6 months ago - patience is in fact a virtue. and in answer to you Den -" I wonder how many of our young and learning team will be with us even beyond the end of this season " .Has this not always been the case? In reality we have always been a nursery for the bigger fish in the sea and probably will be for the forseeable future anyway.[/p][/quote]Can I add to that the that given our budget this season we have possiby had little choice. The last five managers have all had very decent funds at their disposal, Mark doesn't.
Many see Mark as a puppet, is he ? Players may get signed but I believe (and I maybe wrong) that both he and Luke Williams have an input. However. IMO, we are not as well off as many think we are (not Jock and Den) and these constant cries for replacements will not happen.
Yes we are helping Spurs, and I believe at least two of the three we have on loan will play either in the Prem or Championship, but aren't they helping us too ? We also loan players out, Miles at Salisbury for example. Not ideal but without competitive reserve team leagues it does help young players.
Sorry for going on but we have also taken players on loan which have become very good servants of the club. Much is said of Wes, Greer and Ferry but didn't they come in as loans initially ? Another well thought of player was Danny Ward. Luongo and Byrne were loans.
Much being said of the lack of fight etc and much being blamed on the loanees yet when Nathan fails to perform...
Double standards ?
COYMR[/p][/quote]Some good points made Oxon-Red. (You forgot to mention the Reading connection of Cox,and Kanu Robertson both did well and now playing in the Championship), going back further , although only here for a short spell who can forget Givens, Flowers, Carrick, Milner and the late Jimmy Davis All except Jimmy have gone on to carve out International Premiership careers.
Getting back to your point on Cooper, IMO there are only one or two posters calling for his head and although most of us accept he isn't the decision maker on signings and even the style in which we play is probably how Lee wants to play. but isn't that what the Technical Director at most clubs do. Reading the thoughts of many posters, it's his post match interviews spouting they're only young and still learning that gets up peoples nose. Agreed we could do with a bit more experience, but the only young excuse isn't used when we do the business at home, so why use it as the reason we don't perform away. he's tried different tactics and with the players he has consistently picked, it has only worked on a couple of occasions. There are probably a combination of reasons why we don't travel well, Wilsey' has a valid point we used to stay over night under the Italian when we had money, that point was demonstrated by winning at Colchester this year. I still maintain one good reason is he (Cooper) has consistently relied on the same players and he has got the same results because they are great when attacking a team that sits back, but don't have a clue what to do when other teams put us under pressure. There is not one in the back 4 (and Wes) that have not given away sloppy goals, I can think of at least 10 occasions. But the real problem is the in-balance of the midfield, 4 players with similar styles of attack minded play who don't know enough of how to defend. Until Cooper sorts this problem out, we will continue to be suspect on the road and IMO he should stand up and admit he is the one that's still learning and as a consequent he is the one shouldering the blame, not naming his number 9 for playing poor when he could have made the decision at any time to take him off, if he was so bad.old town robin

Oxon, in principle I have no objection to loans. However, my view is that their main purpose should be to plug the odd gap here and there in emergencies. It can't be good for the club to be so heavily reliant on them, particularly several from one club. More to the point, in the close season we lost a lot of solid lower division professionals and replaced them with players who would probably walk a national 5-a-side league but who struggle to compete at places like Macclesfield, Stevenage and Gillingham.

I don't really see your point about Nathan Thompson. All players have bad games, on loan or otherwise, and there's no doubt he's been below his usual standard this season. That's an entirely separate issue from players not getting stuck in because (possibly) they do not have the Town cause at heart. Not double standards, just separate matters.

Oxon, in principle I have no objection to loans. However, my view is that their main purpose should be to plug the odd gap here and there in emergencies. It can't be good for the club to be so heavily reliant on them, particularly several from one club. More to the point, in the close season we lost a lot of solid lower division professionals and replaced them with players who would probably walk a national 5-a-side league but who struggle to compete at places like Macclesfield, Stevenage and Gillingham.
I don't really see your point about Nathan Thompson. All players have bad games, on loan or otherwise, and there's no doubt he's been below his usual standard this season. That's an entirely separate issue from players not getting stuck in because (possibly) they do not have the Town cause at heart. Not double standards, just separate matters.Oi Den!